A’s Marcus Semien optimistic after cast removed

Updated 8:27 pm, Friday, May 19, 2017

Marcus Semien entered the A’s clubhouse Friday with a spring in his step. He returned from his doctor’s appointment in Los Angeles after having the cast removed from his right hand.

It’s no longer necessary. The shortstop, who had surgery April 18 to repair a hairline fracture in his scaphoid bone, can begin exercises to strengthen his hand and arm.

Semien was optimistic about being activated when eligible to come off the 60-day disabled list June 14, but is aware it could take longer.

“I hope to be ready when the 60 days are up,” said Semien, who’s on the DL for the first time in his career. “I want to be ready to play as soon as I’m allowed to play. That’s always my mentality.”

Dr. Steve Shinof the Kerlan-Jobe Clinic in L.A. performed the 50-minute operation, which included inserting a screw into the bone and cleaning inflammation.

While in the cast, Semien continued working out and doing any baseball drills he could handle.

Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle

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Oakland Athletics' Marcus Semien shares a laugh with San Francisco Giants' Buster Posey during Bay Bridge Series at AT&T Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Friday, March 31, 2017.

Oakland Athletics' Marcus Semien shares a laugh with San Francisco Giants' Buster Posey during Bay Bridge Series at AT&T Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Friday, March 31, 2017.

Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle

A’s Marcus Semien optimistic after cast removed

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“He’s kept himself in great shape in the interim, taking groundballs, one-handed hitting off the tee and so forth,” manager Bob Melvin said, “so it’s just about getting that hand strong enough to play catch, and then he’ll be on his way. “

Praise for Rosales: Melvin said Semien’s replacement, Adam Rosales, has performed better than expected.

“He never really had an opportunity, and you worry about the durability part of it,” Melvin said. “But he’s been durable. I talk to him every couple of days about how he’s feeling physically. He feels great. Defensively, he’s been absolutely terrific, and if you look at his numbers, they’re very respectable what he’s done at the plate, too.”

Semien said Rosales has “one of the best arms I’ve seen for a shortstop. He’s doing a great job, considering he hasn’t had an everyday role for a while.”

Briefly: Reliever John Axford(shoulder strain) is expected to be activated Sunday. ... Melvin said first baseman Yonder Alonso (knee) could return by the end of the weekend or be held out until Tuesday, after the off day. ... Pitcher Daniel Mengden (foot) is close to coming off the DL.